The diploid number of the hypothetical animal Geneticus introductus is 2n = 36. Each diploid nucleus contains 3 ng of DNA in G₁.

Complete the following table by entering the number of chromosomes and amount of DNA present per cell at the end of each stage listed.

End of Cell Cycle      Number of             Amount of
Stage                        Chromosomes       DNA        _
Telophase I
Mitotic telophase
Telophase II

Verified step by step guidance

1. <span>1. **Understand the Cell Cycle and Meiosis:** Begin by recognizing that the diploid number (2n) is 36, meaning there are 36 chromosomes in a diploid cell. Each diploid nucleus contains 3 ng of DNA in the G₁ phase. The stages mentioned (Telophase I, Mitotic Telophase, and Telophase II) are part of either mitosis or meiosis.</span>
2. <span>2. **Telophase I (Meiosis):** At the end of Telophase I, the cell has completed the first meiotic division. The homologous chromosomes have been separated, resulting in two haploid cells. Each cell will have half the number of chromosomes compared to the diploid number, so each cell will have 18 chromosomes. The amount of DNA will be the same as in G₁, which is 3 ng, because the DNA has not been replicated again.</span>
3. <span>3. **Mitotic Telophase (Mitosis):** At the end of mitotic telophase, the cell has completed mitosis, resulting in two identical diploid daughter cells. Each daughter cell will have the same number of chromosomes as the original diploid cell, which is 36 chromosomes. The amount of DNA in each daughter cell will be 3 ng, as the DNA content is restored to the G₁ level after cytokinesis.</span>
4. <span>4. **Telophase II (Meiosis):** At the end of Telophase II, meiosis is complete, resulting in four haploid cells. Each of these cells will have half the number of chromosomes compared to the diploid number, so each cell will have 18 chromosomes. The amount of DNA in each cell will be half of the G₁ amount, which is 1.5 ng, because the cells are haploid and have not undergone DNA replication after Telophase I.</span>
5. <span>5. **Summarize the Table:** Use the information from the previous steps to fill in the table: Telophase I - 18 chromosomes, 3 ng DNA; Mitotic Telophase - 36 chromosomes, 3 ng DNA; Telophase II - 18 chromosomes, 1.5 ng DNA.</span>

Key Concepts

Diploid and Haploid Cells

Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, denoted as 2n. In the case of Geneticus introductus, the diploid number is 36, meaning there are 36 chromosomes in somatic cells. During meiosis, diploid cells undergo division to produce haploid cells (n), which contain only one set of chromosomes, essential for sexual reproduction.

Cell Cycle Stages

The cell cycle consists of several stages, including interphase and mitotic phases. Key stages relevant to the question are telophase I and II, which occur during meiosis, and mitotic telophase, which is part of mitosis. Each stage has distinct characteristics regarding chromosome number and DNA content, influencing how cells prepare for division and genetic variation.

DNA Content and Replication

DNA content refers to the amount of genetic material present in a cell, typically measured in nanograms (ng). In G₁ phase, Geneticus introductus has 3 ng of DNA per diploid cell. During the cell cycle, DNA replication occurs during the S phase, doubling the DNA content before cell division, which is crucial for ensuring that daughter cells receive the correct genetic information.